Diet and Nutrition
Associations have been reported between chronic respiratory disease and the intake of
fruit, fish, whole grain, antioxidant vitamins, fatty acids, sodium, magnesium and
alcohol. Obesity has also been associated with an increased risk of asthma and lower lung
function. It is therefore feasible that dietary strategies could be developed for the
primary and secondary prevention of CRDs which would be compatible with existing dietary
guidelines for the control of coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancer. |
Diet and Nutrition
Although there is no direct evidence of effectiveness it is likely that those with early
disease would benefit from a diet associated with good lung health and from maintenance of
an appropriate body weight.
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Diet and Nutrition
Nutritional status, body mass index, and, if possible, dietary intake should be assessed
and/or monitored in patients with CRD. Involuntary weight loss in COPD must be considered
as well as nutritional supplementation for underweight patients (BMI<21 kg/m2).
In obese (BMI>30) or very obese (BMI>40) CRD patients, intensive weight reduction
and maintenance programmes should be considered. |
Physical Activity
There is some evidence that exercise maintains lung function apart from its other
beneficial affects on cardiovascular morbidity. Maintenance of levels of activity are
likely to be useful in limiting respiratory morbidity.
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Physical Activity
Adequate control of asthma may increase exercise capacity. This is importrant for
maintaining both general and respiratory fitness.
Exercise limitation is common in early COPD and exercise tolerance can be improved even in
patients with fixed structural abnormalities. Pulmonary Rehabilitation programmes are of
proven benefit in improving quality of life and exercise tolerance and reducing use of
health service resources. |
Physical Activity
Walking, cycling, stepping and combination of these modes of exercise can be used to
increase exercise performance in patients with COPD. Leg exercise may also be included in
training programmes and are beneficial in improving exercise tolerance.
Asthmatic children should be helped to participate in sports and physical activities.
Pre-medication shortly before physical activity or training and prophylactic treatment
should be considered in management of exercise-induced asthma.
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